TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who dragged East Lancashire's agriculture into the 20th century.

Harry Mudd, who transformed part of the countryside with his pioneering farming methods, died at the age of 81.

Mr Mudd, who lived at Preston New Road, Mellor Brook, was director of Great House Experimental Husbandry Farm at Alden Valley, Helmshore, for 28 years up to his retirement in 1979.

When he started the job in 1951 the uplands there were dull and barren areas and efficient farming was hampered by smallholdings, steep banks and industrial pollution.

But Mr Mudd's dedication to his work transformed the land, and when he retired it was rich with crops and green grazing fields.

Helmshore historian Chris Aspin, said: "He was a scientist with a laboratory at Great House and used fertilisers on the land, planted trees and took samples of air pollution. "He raised cattle and sheep on difficult land and grew grass."

Mr Mudd was a member of the Rotary Club of Rossendale between 1958 up to his death and was a past president and former chairman of the District National Committee.

He travelled the world for Rotary and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, the movement's highest honour.

Mr Mudd, who was cremated at Accrington, left three daughters and a son. He was married twice but both his wives died before him.

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